Apple has been denied permission to appeal a UK tribunal ruling that found its App Store commission practices abusive, potentially exposing the company to over $2 billion in damages.
The UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) rejected Apple’s request to challenge its recent loss in a lawsuit brought by over 1,500 UK app developers. The developers accused Apple of abusing its dominant position by charging excessive commissions on app sales and subscriptions.
Apple Faces Major Legal Setback Over App Store Fees
Apple’s legal troubles in the UK deepened this week as the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) denied its bid to appeal a ruling that found the tech giant guilty of abusing its market dominance. The tribunal concluded that Apple’s App Store commission model—typically 15% to 30%—was “excessive and unfair,” effectively shutting out competition and harming both developers and consumers CNA.
The case, filed in 2023, involved more than 1,500 UK-based app developers who argued that Apple’s control over iOS app distribution forced them to accept inflated fees. The CAT sided with the developers last month, and Apple’s attempt to overturn the decision was rejected on November 13, 2025 CNA 9to5Mac.
Apple now faces potential damages between £1 billion and £2 billion ($1.3 billion to $2.6 billion), with further hearings expected to determine compensation amounts 9to5Mac The Mac Observer. While Apple can still apply directly to the Court of Appeal, the tribunal’s refusal signals a tough road ahead.
The ruling adds to Apple’s mounting regulatory pressures in Europe and the U.S., where lawmakers and watchdogs are scrutinizing Big Tech’s control over digital markets. Apple has defended its App Store model as part of a “thriving and competitive app economy,” but critics argue it stifles innovation and inflates consumer costs CNA.
Would you like to explore how this case compares to similar antitrust actions against Google or how app developers are responding to the ruling?
